Bengaluru: JD(S) Stages Protest Over Metro Fare Increase, Calls for Immediate Reversal
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Synopsis
On Feb 14, the Janata Dal (Secular) organized a large-scale demonstration at Freedom Park in Bengaluru, demanding an urgent rollback of the metro fare increase. Party leaders voiced concerns over financial burdens on citizens and warned of intensified protests if their demands are not met.
Key Takeaways
- JD(S) protests against metro fare hike.
- Over 1.5 lakh passengers have abandoned metro travel.
- Ramesh Gowda warns of intensified protests.
- Government accused of financial mismanagement.
- Citizens burdened by rising costs.
Bengaluru, Feb 14 (NationPress) The Janata Dal (Secular) initiated a significant demonstration at Freedom Park on Friday, insisting on an immediate reversal of the metro fare increase.
Led by JD(S) Bengaluru unit president H.M. Ramesh Gowda, party leaders and supporters shouted slogans against the metro administration and cautioned of escalated protests if the fare hike is not repealed.
Members of the Legislative Council, including K.A. Tippeswamy, T. A. Sharavana, alongside numerous senior leaders, took part in the protest, calling on the government to reassess its decision.
In a media statement, Ramesh Gowda remarked: "The metro operates on electricity, not diesel or petrol. The government has already raised electricity rates."
"Because of the increased costs, over 1.5 lakh passengers have forsaken metro travel. This initiative was initially intended to alleviate Bengaluru's traffic congestion, but it has strayed from its fundamental purpose," he asserted.
"JD(S) has made two formal requests to the managing director of the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to retract the fare hike. However, these requests were disregarded, demonstrating a lack of consideration for public sentiment.
"Should the fare hike not be immediately rescinded, we will encircle Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's residence," he threatened.
He further claimed that the state government is experiencing financial strain due to excessive freebie programs, leaving no budget for developmental initiatives.
"The state treasury is drained, and government-issued checks are bouncing. This illustrates the critical financial condition of the government. To mask this embarrassment and generate resources, they are continuously imposing new taxes and increasing prices on the populace," he asserted.
Ramesh Gowda accused the administration of imposing an additional Rs 41,360 crore in taxes since assuming power.
"Increases in electricity tariffs, fuel prices, stamp duty, guidance value, and bus fares have created an unbearable financial burden on the citizens. The government is robbing from one side while offering on the other," he indicated.
"The people of Karnataka placed their trust in Congress with a clear mandate, anticipating good governance. However, this government has only taken advantage of them in numerous ways. If the metro fare hike is not rescinded soon, the public will rise in protest," he warned.
He also noted that citizens are suffering due to Congress' ineffective policies and predicted that the ruling party would struggle to secure even 50 seats if elections were held presently.
